Just Say No – The most obvious way to prevent addiction is to avoid drugs and alcohol. But it's not always that simple. Because human beings are wired for pleasure-seeking and will always pursue quick relief from pain, the “just say no” approach has failed in the past and will continue to be only a partial answer to addiction prevention. If you decide to drink alcohol, do so moderately (no more than one drink a day for most women and no more than two drinks a day for most men, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). While most people may be able to drink moderately without difficulty, those with a family history of addiction or other risk factors may find that their habit quickly escalates to heavy drinking or alcoholism. Thomas Recipe Opiate Withdrawals

Delay Alcohol Use – Research shows that alcoholism is more prevalent among those who begin drinking at an early age. Delaying alcohol use until age 21 or later may reduce the risk of alcohol-related problems in adulthood. The Thomas Recipe For Opiate Withdrawal

Limit Negative Influences – Both adolescents and adults are heavily influenced by their peers and their desire to fit in. Associating with people who abuse drugs or alcohol or who have accepting attitudes toward substance abuse increases the likelihood of drug abuse.

Manage Stress – Stress is one of the most commonly cited reasons for substance abuse. Rather than spiraling out of control, take steps to manage your stress before problems get out of hand. Exercise, meditate, or talk to a friend, spiritual advisor or therapist – whatever helps you unwind without relying on the temporary fix of drugs or alcohol. The Thomas Recipe Opiate Withdrawal

Build Strong Relationships – A strong support system can be a strong protective factor against addiction. Whether you turn to friends, family, the community or a higher power, finding someone you can lean on can help you work through stress and other emotions without a chemical escape.

Know the Warning Signs – If you choose to drink or use drugs, stay alert to the signs of addiction, including withdrawal symptoms, tolerance, losing control, changes in diet, sleep or behavior patterns, abandoning activities you used to enjoy, and negative consequences related to your drinking. When in doubt, ask a therapist, rehab center or healthcare provider for an assessment to determine whether your drug use has become a problem.

Set and Work Toward Goals – People who set realistic goals and actively work toward them are less likely to get sidetracked by drugs or alcohol than people who feel they are not achieving their goals or don't have anything to work toward.

Get Treatment for Mental Illness – Substance abuse is strongly correlated with mental illness. If you struggle with depression, anxiety, a personality disorder or another psychiatric condition, seek help from a mental health professional rather than self-medicating with drugs or alcohol. Thomas Recipe For Opiate Withdrawal. The Thomas Recipe For Opiate Withdrawals

Get Some Buddies. It works for Girl Scouts, depressives, and addicts of all kinds. I remember having to wake up my buddy to go pee in the middle of the night at Girl Scout camp. That was right before she rolled off her cot, out of the tent and down the hill, almost into the creek. Our job as buddies is to help each other not roll out of the tent and into the stream, and to keep each other safe during midnight bathroom runs. My buddies are the six numbers programmed into my cell phone, the voices that remind me sometimes as many as five times a day: “It will get better.” Thomas Recipe For Opiate Withdrawals

Read Away the Craving. Books can be buddies too! And when you are afraid of imposing on others like I am, they serve as wonderful reminders to stay on course. When I'm in a weak spot, especially with regard to addictive temptations, I place a book next to my addiction object: the Big Book (the Bible) goes next to the liquor cabinet; some 12-step pamphlet gets clipped to the freezer (home to frozen Kit Kats, Twix, and dark chocolate Hershey bars); and I'll get out Melody Beattie before e-mailing an apology to someone who just screwed me over. Thomas Recipe Opiate Withdrawals

Be Accountable to Someone. In the professional world, what is the strongest motivator for peak performance? Twelve-step groups use this method–called accountability–to keep people sober and on the recovery wagon. Everyone has a sponsor, a mentor to teach them the program, to guide them toward physical, mental, and spiritual health. Today several people together serve as my emotional “sponsor,” keeping me accountable for my actions: Mike (my writing mentor), my therapist, my doctor, Fr. Dave, Deacon Moore, Eric, and my mom.